I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands.
For nearly 50 years, I’ve been going to concerts in Northeast Ohio. Lest anyone doubt that I’m a nerd, I’ve preserved hundreds of ticket stubs in chronological order in a three-ring binder. By flipping through plastic sheets, I can tell you the names of artists, the venues they played, the dates of shows and the prices of tickets.
Many of the places no longer exist: The Richfield Coliseum, Akron Rubber Bowl, Akron Agora, Tower City Amphitheater. Neither does Ticketron, the computerized ticket service where I used to stand in line.
Believe it or not, I still own most of my concert jerseys. No way would those 1970s and 1980s garments fit today, not without causing a public scandal, but I keep the shirts neatly folded and sealed in storage bins.
They bring back happy memories.
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For years, I’ve been working on this column. Mostly in my mind. I’ve been trying to rank my favorite concerts without duplicating any headliners.
The top of the list is pretty firm, but it gets squishier toward the bottom. After a few more years of consideration, I might move a few around. But why wait any longer?
Here are the 50 best concerts I ever saw in Northeast Ohio.
1. Kiss
Date: Jan. 8, 1978, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $8. Tour: “Alive II.” Opening act: Rockets. It was the infamous blizzard show, and I was 14. Hard rock, ghoulish makeup and explosions? Yes, please! The giant Kiss sign, blazing in white lights, seared my retinas and the thunderous concert awed me. Afterward, we somehow got backstage and saw the snowed-in band milling around without makeup, absolutely unthinkable at the time. I still have Paul Stanley’s autograph from that amazing night. What a show! Highlights: “I Stole Your Love” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.”
2. Prince
Date: Dec. 5-6, 1984, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $15.50. Tour: “Purple Rain.” Opening act: Sheila E. Both nights were total pandemonium with the loudest crowds I’ve ever experienced. Prince was a masterful performer, beginning with “Let’s Go Crazy” and ending with “Purple Rain.” You should have heard the girls scream. As a Coliseum intern, I had backstage passes, but Prince’s security wouldn’t let us get too close. I did get to see the band rush offstage after the last encore into waiting limos. This tour was one for the ages. Highlights: “1999” and “I Would Die 4 U.”
3. The Rolling Stones
Sept. 27, 1989, Cleveland Stadium. Tickets: $28.50. Tour: “Steel Wheels.” Opening act: Living Colour. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts invited 60,000 fans to a rock ’n’ roll party. I thought it might be the final tour for this legendary band. Silly me. From start to finish, from “Start Me Up” to “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” the show was great, and Jagger, as billed, was absolutely amazing. Highlights: “Gimme Shelter” and “Satisfaction.”
4. U2
May 19, 1983, Cleveland Music Hall. Tickets: $9.50. Tour: “War.” Opening act: Dream Syndicate. On the precipice of superstardom, the Irish band conquered this small venue, sounding exactly like it did on its records with soaring vocals and edgy guitar. “I Will Follow” and “Gloria” were exciting to hear live. Bono’s powerful vocals seemed effortless. He waved a white flag and climbed to the balcony to sing. Highlights: “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day.”
5. Bruce Springsteen
Nov. 15, 1999, Gund Arena, Cleveland. Tickets: $67.50. Tour: “Reunion Tour.” Opening act: None. This was a three-hour marathon, the second night of two sold-out shows reuniting The Boss with the E Street Band. It was an electrifying performance, and I get chills when I recall 19,000 fans singing “Born to Run” at the top of their lungs. Bruuuuuuuce! Highlights: “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” and “Born to Run.”
6. Queen
Sept. 21, 1980, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $9. Tour: “The Game.” Opening act: None. Whether seated at the piano or strutting across stage, Freddie Mercury delivered a dynamic performance from “We Will Rock You” to “Killer Queen.” Brian May’s signature guitar sound dazzled us. The light show, a glowing wall of pulsating color, was beautiful. This was the only time I saw Queen, and I’m so glad I did. Highlights: “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Another One Bites the Dust.”
7. Simon and Garfunkel
July 19, 1983, Akron Rubber Bowl. Tickets: $16. Tour: “Summer Evening.” Opening act: None. Nearly 40,000 fans packed the stadium as the duo reunited for their first U.S. tour in 13 years. As the two harmonized on “Scarborough Fair” and “The Sound of Silence,” nostalgia swept the audience. We knew we were watching history. Afterward, there was a fantastic fireworks display. Highlights: “Mrs. Robinson” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
8. The Who
July 19, 1989, Cleveland Stadium. Tickets: $23. Tour: “25th Anniversary.” Opening act: None. Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and a 14-piece band entertained 65,000 fans with a microphone-twirling, guitar-windmilling extravaganza. The set included “I Can’t Explain,” “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.” Halfway back on the floor, we stood on our seats, craned our necks and tried to maintain balance, not always succeeding. Highlights: “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Who Are You?”
9. The Eagles
July 8, 1994, Cleveland Stadium. Tickets: $85. Tour: “Hell Freezes Over.” Opening act: Sheryl Crow. The tickets warned “RAIN OR SHINE.” It rained like crazy and we got drenched, but it was worth it to see the Eagles reunite after 14 years. The band played classic songs such as “Desperado” and solo hits like “Dirty Laundry,” making 50,000 fans nearly forget the awful weather. Highlights: “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.”
10: Paul McCartney
July 20, 1990, Cleveland Stadium. Tickets: $30. Tour: “World Tour.” Opening act: None. Surrounded by nearly 70,000 fans, we worshipped the return of a rock god. McCartney, 48, seamlessly blended the catalogs of The Beatles (“Yesterday,” “Let It Be”) and Wings (“Jet,” “Band on the Run”) for an unforgettable show. His tribute to John Lennon, featuring “Strawberry Fields,” was truly poignant. Highlights: “Live and Let Die” and “Hey Jude.”
11. The Four Tops
July 3, 1993, Cascade Plaza, Akron. Tickets: Free. Opening act: None. I can’t believe I got to see these Motown legends at the Akron Rib & Music Festival. The original lineup — Levi Stubbs, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson and Lawrence Payton — sang classic hits and performed patented choreography to the crowd’s delight. I felt lucky to witness such greatness. Highlights: “I Can’t Help Myself” and “Baby I Need Your Loving.”
12. Aerosmith
Oct. 22, 1978, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $7.50. Tour: “Live! Bootleg.” Opening act: Golden Earring. Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and the Bad Boys from Boston blasted through a 90-minute set of soon-to-be classic rock. Tyler was a whirling dervish, clutching a scarf-shrouded microphone stand while singing. From “Toys in the Attic” to “Dream On,” the band belted out a barrage of fan favorites at high decibels. Highlights: “Last Child” and “Walk This Way.”
13. Billy Joel
Nov. 7, 1982, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $12.50. Tour: “The Nylon Curtain.” Opening act: None. Of the many times I’ve seen the Piano Man in concert, this was my favorite performance. He was in complete control of his voice (and the crowd) as he delivered hit after hit. “Goodnight Saigon,” featuring a chorus of Vietnam veterans, gave me goose bumps. Highlights: “Pressure” and “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.”
14. Elton John
Sept. 29, 1980, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $11. Tour: “21 at 33.” Opening act: Judie Tzuke. Playing a white piano and changing colorful outfits multiple times, the English superstar offered a crowd-pleasing set that included “Funeral for a Friend,” “Rocket Man” and “Philadelphia Freedom.” The arena was only half-full, but those who showed up had a great time. Highlights: “Bennie and the Jets” and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.”
15. Michael Stanley Band
Aug. 23, 1981, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $11. Tour: “North Coast.” Opening act: Donnie Iris & The Cruisers. I saw MSB so many times that the shows blur together, but I think this sold-out concert, one of three in a row, was my favorite. Playing everything from “Midwest Midnight” to “Promises” to “Last Night,” the band sounded amazing. Geez, I miss Michael. Highlights: “Let’s Get the Show on the Road” and “Lover.”
16. Monsters of Rock
Van Halen, Scorpions, Dokken, Metallica and Kingdom Come, June 22, 1988, Akron Rubber Bowl. Tickets: $25. My ears are still ringing from this nine-hour, hard-rocking bill. It was 100 degrees, and the crowd of 20,000 had to be hosed down for relief. Was this a great time or what? Low-billed Metallica nearly stole the show. Poor Dokken had to follow. Highlights: “Runnin’ With the Devil” and “Best of Both Worlds.”
17. Bon Jovi
July 3, 1989, Akron Rubber Bowl. Tickets: $22. Tour: “New Jersey.” Opening acts: Cinderella, Winger and BulletBoys. More than 25,000 people attended this seven-hour concert on an 80-degree day. Packed against the stage like sardines, some fans passed out and had to be lifted out. Hoses cooled down others. The things we did for hair metal. Highlights: “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
18. Journey
May 13-14, 1982, the Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $12.50. Tour: “Escape.” Opening act: The Greg Kihn Band. Steve Perry’s voice soared to the rafters as the San Francisco group played two sold-out shows. I knew just about every song except “Separate Ways,” which the band introduced as a new tune for a future record. It sounded like a hit, and it became one less than a year later. Highlights: “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” and “Wheel in the Sky.”
19. The Pretenders
July 30, 1984, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $13. Tour: “Learning to Crawl.” Opening act: Simple Minds. Akron’s own Chrissie Hynde had a happy homecoming before 15,000 fans. Her distinctive voice, alternately snarling and purring, sounded so clear in the jam-packed pavilion. “My City Was Gone,” an ode to her hometown, went over big with the crowd. Highlights: “Middle of the Road” and “Back on the Chain Chain Gang.”
20. The Commodores
Sept. 12, 1980, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $8.50. Tour: “Heroes.” Opening acts: Stephanie Mills and the Fatback Band. Led by Lionel Richie, The Commodores put on a flashy, energetic show featuring sing-along choruses, white sequined outfits and laser beams. Over 12,000 fans sang along to “Three Times a Lady” and “Sail On.” Good times never felt so good. Highlights: “Brick House” and “Easy.”
21. Nirvana
Oct. 31, 1993, Rhodes Arena, Akron. Tickets: $18.50. Tour: “In Utero.” Opening acts: The Meat Puppets and Boredoms. This Halloween concert was a grungy moshfest on a snowy night. Kurt Cobain alternated between guttural screams and gentle melodies. He died five months later. I’d rank the show higher, but the band skipped “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and I’m still miffed. Highlights: “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies.”
22. Cheap Trick
May 1, 1980, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $8.50. Tour: “Dream Police.” Opening act: The Romantics. Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos were at the peak of their popularity and at the top of their game, cranking up everything from “Surrender” to “Clock Strikes Ten.” I was in high school, and this was my personal “Live at Budokan.” Highlights: “Dream Police” and “I Want You to Want Me.”
23. Genesis
Nov. 22, 1981, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $10. Tour: “Abacab.” Opening act: None. Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks played a mix of classic tunes (“Carpet Crawlers,” “Firth of Fifth”) and new songs (“Abacab,” “No Reply at All”) before a boisterous crowd of 18,500. The light show was dazzling, one of the best I’ve ever seen. Highlights: “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” and “I Know What I Like.”
24. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant
Oct. 16, 1995, Gund Arena, Cleveland. Tickets: $45. Tour: “No Quarter.” Opening act: The Tragically Hip. I will always regret that I never saw Led Zeppelin; this was as close as I ever got. The British guitarist and singer reteamed for a magical night of reworked classics like “Black Dog” and “Whole Lotta Love.” The crowd raised its lighters like the old days. Highlights: “Dazed and Confused” and “Kashmir.”
25. Eric Clapton
May 20, 1992, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $25. Tour: “World Tour.” Opening act: None. The guy looked more like an accountant than a rock god, yet his guitar spoke volumes. Clapton thrilled the capacity crowd with songs from Cream (“White Room”), Derek & The Dominos (“Layla”) and his solo career (“Tears in Heaven”). His genius was undeniable that evening. Highlights: “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Beautiful Tonight.”
26. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
March 23, 2000, Gund Arena, Cleveland. Tickets: $76. Tour: “Looking Forward.” David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steven Stills and Neil Young, reuniting for the first time in 25 years, gave usa soul-stirring show. The harmonies were lovely on “Our House,” “Teach Your Children” and “Woodstock.” The showstopper “Ohio,” about the 1970 Kent State shootings, made me choke up. Highlights: “Almost Cut My Hair” and “Eight Miles High.”
27. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Feb. 13, 1990, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $19.50. Tour: “Strange Behavior.” Opening act: Lenny Kravitz. Whether playing the guitar or snapping his fingers, Petty exuded coolness onstage. The Florida musician performed many classics, including “I Need to Know,” “Refugee” and “You Got Lucky,” and his new hit “Free Fallin’.” A good time was had by all, but especially me. Highlights: “Breakdown” and “The Waiting.”
28. AC/DC
Nov. 23, 1990, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $20. Tour: “The Razors Edge.” Opening act: Love/Hate. We sat in the fifth row, which may have been too close. Guitarist Angus Young’s crunchy riffs and vocalist Brian Johnson’s sandpaper screeches walloped us from “Back in Black” to “Highway to Hell.” For good measure, the band rang a bronze bell and fired cannons. Oof. Highlights: “Thunderstruck” and “For Those About to Rock.”
29. Rush
Nov. 18, 1991, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $30. Tour: “Roll the Bones.” Opening act: Eric Johnson. My buddy had an extra ticket, so I went. Basically, I was a casual fan, knowing only a few songs, but Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart floored me with their musicality. The capacity crowd, the second of two shows, went wild for tunes like “Limelight” and “Red Barchetta.” What a rush. Highlights: “Tom Sawyer” and “Spirit of the Radio.”
30. Peter Gabriel
Nov. 24, 1982, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $9.50. Tour: “Security.” Opening act: The Electric Guitars. I’ll admit it: I was there to hear “Shock the Monkey,” the smash hit from the former Genesis singer. My friend, a huge fan, took me along. Gabriel’s brilliant combinations of world music and unusual percussion were a revelation to me. I distinctly recall “Lay Your Hands on Me” and “Biko.” But I still got to hear what I came for, and it was indeed great. Highlights: “Shock the Monkey” and “Solsbury Hill.”
31. Fleetwood Mac
Nov. 24, 1997, Gund Arena. Tickets: $25. Tour: “The Dance.” Opening act: None. Our seats weren’t the best in the upper concourse, but I was happy to see the classic lineup of Fleetwood Mac for the first (and only) time. Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie sang every hit I wanted to hear. Overall, it was bittersweet, emotional and uplifting. I wish I could have seen them in the 1970s. Highlights: “Don’t Stop” and “Go Your Own Way.”
32. Veterans Memorial Jam
Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band, Aretha Franklin, Three Dog Night and the Relatively Jammin’ Blues Band, May 31, 1997, Akron Rubber Bowl. Tickets: $35. This was such a good show, and it’s too bad so few saw it. Monsoon conditions kept the crowds away, and the acts performed to a mostly empty stadium. We stuck it out to the end. Starr’s band included Peter Frampton, Jack Bruce and Simon Kirke! Highlights: “With a Little Help from My Friends” and “Chain of Fools.”
33. Metallica
July 3, 1992, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $19.50 lawn. Tour: “Wherever We May Roam.” Opening act: Metal Church. This sold-out show felt dangerous. Fans kept lighting bonfires on the lawn, which security had to douse in a hurry before scampering off to the next inferno. Onstage, Metallica was on fire, too, delivering scorching renditions of “Creeping Death,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “One.” Highlights: “Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman.”
34. Styx
Oct. 11, 1979, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $9.50. Tour: “Cornerstone.” Opening act: Ronnie Montrose and Gamma. Dennis DeYoung’s operatic stylings (“Lady”), Tommy Shaw’s blue-collar vocals (“Renegade”) and James Young’s blistering fretwork (“Miss America”) made this show a battle of ballads and rockers. I was proud to wear the concert shirt the next day. Highlights: “Come Sail Away” and “Babe.”
35. Foreigner
Aug. 27, 1985, Richfield Coliseum. Tickets: $14. Tour: “Agent Provocateur.” Opening act: Gowan. Singer Lou Gramm and guitarist Mick Jones gave us what we wanted to hear: “Cold as Ice,” “Feels Like the First Time” and “Double Vision.” The centerpiece of the concert was the lovely “I Want to Know What Love Is” featuring a large gospel choir from Cleveland. Overall, it was a fun show from the jukebox heroes. Highlights: “Urgent” and “Hot Blooded.”
36. Asia
June 18, 1982, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $8 lawn. Tour: “Asia.” Opening act: Jonah Koslen. My friends and I were big fans of the British supergroup featuring John Wetton, Steve Howe, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer, and this sold-out show did not disappoint. Asia offered soulful vocals, masterful musicians and a whirling drum kit that shot flames! Afterward, we tossed a Frisbee until the traffic cleared out. Over 40 years later, we still talk about this show. Highlights: “Only Time Will Tell” and “Heat of the Moment.”
37. Boston
Aug. 28, 1997, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $36.50. Tour: “Greatest Hits.” Opening act: None. It was more than a feeling when vocalist Brad Delp reunited with guitarist, keyboardist and tech wizard Tom Scholz. The band played most of my favorites, including “Don’t Look Back,” “Peace of Mind” and “Higher Power,” while singer Fran Cosmo assisted on some of the high notes. When I heard those old songs play, I closed my eyes and I slipped away. Highlights: “Long Time” and “More Than a Feeling.”
38. Warrant
March 17, 1989, Akron Agora. Tickets: 97 cents. Tour: “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.” Opening act: Zaza. Seriously: Only 97 cents. This was a WONE 97.5 FM Low Dough Show. Warrant’s debut album was just a few weeks old, and the up-and-coming band, featuring Akron’s Jani Lane on lead vocals and Wadsworth’s Steven Sweet on drums, was really exciting to see live. Fresh from the Sunset Strip, the guys had killer songs and stage presence, and we just knew they would hit it big. Highlights: “Down Boys” and “Heaven.”
39. Def Leppard
June 25, 2009. Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $85. Tour: “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge.” Opening acts: Poison and Cheap Trick. I don’t go to nearly as many concerts these days, but this show was one of the best in recent memory. All three acts are headliners. From “Rock of Ages” to “Photograph,” we sang along. And I caught a guitar pick! Actually, it stuck to my sweaty chest and I found it as we left. Highlights: “Love Bites” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
40. Whitesnake
Aug. 22, 2003, Tower City Amphitheater, Cleveland. Tickets: $45. Tour: “Rock Never Stops.” Opening acts: Warrant, Slaughter and Winger. As an unabashed fan of 1980s music, I really enjoyed this festival. Like, for sure. Whitesnake’s David Coverdale, an English singer with a big voice, was a charismatic frontman, spinning the mic stand and wailing away on “Still of the Night,” one of my favorite songs of all time. Highlights: “Is This Love” and “Here I Go Again.”
41. America
Aug. 23, 1976, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $4. Tour: “Hideway.” Opening acts: John Sebastian and Silver. I’ll always have a soft spot for my first rock concert at Blossom. My mom took me when I was 12, and we sat on the lawn on a starry night. “Sister Golden Hair” and “Tin Man” take me back to that summer evening. Sebastian played the theme from “Welcome Back, Kotter,” an extra bonus. Highlights: “A Horse With No Name” and “Ventura Highway.”
42. Harry Chapin
July 17, 1976, Canton Memorial Auditorium. Tickets: $7. Tour: “Greatest Stories Live.” Opening act: None. My uncle, who worked at a radio station, scored us front-row seats to see the folk singer. Chapin’s epic songs, delivered in an earnest manner, have stayed with me all these years. I’m so glad to have seen this storyteller in concert. Thanks, Uncle Al. Highlights: “Cat’s in the Cradle” and “30,000 Pounds of Bananas.”
43. Thompson Twins
Aug. 23, 1984, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: Free. Tour: “Into the Gap.” Opening act: Berlin. WMMS and Rick Case sponsored this free event featuring the British trio. Over 16,000 people showed up. We were on the lawn, where I experimented with alternative dance moves and had a carefree time. Berlin, featuring singer Terri Nunn, made an impression with “No More Words.” Highlights: “Hold Me Now” and “Lies.”
44. The Gap Band
July 4, 1999, Cascade Plaza, Akron Rib & Music Festival. Tickets: Free. Opening act: None. We celebrated Independence Day with a generous serving of funk on a 90-degree day. The Wilson brothers, Charlie, Ronnie and Robert, delivered a high-energy show. The woman dancing next to me accidentally head-butted me, and I briefly saw stars, but it didn’t interfere with our groove. The night ended with fireworks. Highlights: “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” and “Party Train.”
45. Daryl Hall & John Oates
Nov. 8, 1981, Kent State Memorial Gymnasium. Tickets: $7.50. Tour: “Private Eyes.” Opening act: Karla DeVito. This was a nice break from studies. We sat in the bleachers to the left of the stage as the Philadelphia duo regaled us with such hits as “She’s Gone,” “Sara Smile” and “Rich Girl.” Their voices blended so nicely — just like on the radio. Highlights: “Wait for Me” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.”
46. The Cars
Aug. 7, 1984, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $10 lawn. Tour: “Heartbeat City.” Opening act: Wang Chung. This sold-out show makes the list based solely on songs. It had excellent musicianship and zero personality. Former Clevelanders Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek barely regarded the hometown crowd. But the songs? Wow. “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Just What I Needed,” “Let’s Go,” “Drive.” Undeniably great. Highlights: “Hello Again” and “Let’s Go.”
47. Spice Girls
July 14, 1998, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $45.50. Tour: “Spiceworld.” Opening act: None. I lost a lot of credibility in the metal community when I went to this concert instead of Ozzfest, which was on the same day at the Rubber Bowl. Geri Halliwell had bailed from the tour, but Mel C, Mel B, Emma Bunton and Victoria Adams kept the crowd screaming. I stuck out in the teenage crowd. Girl power! Highlights: “Wannabe” and “Say You’ll Be There.”
48. The Monkees
July 10, 1986, Blossom Music Center. Tickets: $11 lawn. Tour: “20th Anniversary.” Opening acts: The Grass Roots, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap and Herman’s Hermits. This oldies show was delightful. We sat on the lawn and enjoyed hits like “Valleri,” “Daydream Believer” and “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” The opening acts were good, too. Especially Puckett. This was just a happy time at Blossom. Highlights: “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer.”
49. Eddie Money
May 11, 2007, Tangier, Akron. Tickets: $38. Tour: “Wanna Go Back.” Opening act: None. I bought a ticket on a whim, noshed on a cheese plate and had a blast with the Money Man. “Baby Hold On,” “I Wanna Go Back” and “Take Me Home Tonight” were terrific in the intimate setting. Eddie’s gone now. I wanna go back and do it all over, but I can’t go back, I know. Highlights: “Shakin’ ” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.”
50. Kiss
July 19-20, 1996, Gund Arena. Tickets: $40. Tour: “Alive/Worldwide.” Opening acts: The Nixons and D Generation. I said I wouldn’t repeat any headliners on this list, but I lied. When Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss reunited onstage in makeup and costumes for the first time in 17 years, it was a dream come true for this lifelong fan. I attended both shows and felt like a kid again. You’re never too late to rock and roll all nite. Highlights: Every moment.
Mark J. Price can be reached atmprice@thebeaconjournal.com
